Usage of 寄
The character 寄 primarily means "to send," especially in contexts involving mail, packages, or messages. It is commonly used when talking about sending letters or parcels through postal services.
Besides the literal sending of physical items, 寄 can also be used metaphorically to express entrusting or placing hopes, feelings, or thoughts onto someone or something, as in 寄托 (jìtuō).
Common Collocations
- 寄信 (jì xìn): to send a letter
- 寄包裹 (jì bāoguǒ): to send a package
- 寄托希望 (jìtuō xīwàng): to entrust hopes
These collocations highlight the two main uses: physical sending and metaphorical entrusting.
Notes
When using 寄 for sending mail or packages, it often appears with the object being sent and the destination. For example, 寄给 (jì gěi) means "send to someone."
Avoid confusing 寄 with 送 (sòng), which also means "to send" but often implies personally delivering or accompanying the item, whereas 寄 emphasizes sending through a service or entrusting.
In summary, 寄 is versatile for both concrete sending and abstract entrusting, making it a useful word in everyday and literary contexts.